Eli Lilly has secured FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) for bebtelovimab (LY-CoV1404), marking a significant advancement in COVID-19 treatment options as other antibody therapies face efficacy challenges against the Omicron variant. The authorization comes alongside a substantial $720 million US government contract for up to 600,000 doses.
The newly authorized monoclonal antibody is indicated for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in patients aged 12 or over who are at high risk of disease progression. Bebtelovimab is administered as a 175 mg intravenous injection over at least 30 seconds, offering a shorter administration time compared to some existing treatments.
Clinical Evidence and Variant Coverage
The EUA was supported by data from the phase 2 BLAZE-4 trial, which evaluated bebtelovimab both as monotherapy and in combination with bamlanivimab/etesevimab. Notably, laboratory studies demonstrate that bebtelovimab maintains full neutralizing activity against the Omicron variant, including the BA.2 subvariant, which has raised concerns due to its increased transmissibility.
"With the emergence of variants such as Omicron, treatment options remain limited," stated Daniel Skovronsky, Lilly's chief scientific and medical officer. "Lilly is pleased to provide another treatment option to help address the ongoing needs of patients and health care providers who continue to battle this pandemic."
Market Impact and Supply Agreement
The US government's commitment includes an initial supply of doses to be delivered by March's end, with an additional option for 500,000 doses that could be supplied before July's conclusion. This agreement positions bebtelovimab as a crucial addition to the nation's therapeutic arsenal against COVID-19.
Competitive Landscape
The authorization comes at a critical time when other COVID-19 antibody treatments, including Lilly's own bamlanivimab/etesevimab combination and Regeneron's REGEN-COV, have seen their use restricted due to reduced efficacy against Omicron. This limitation has created an opportunity for bebtelovimab and GSK/Vir's Xevudy (sotrovimab), both of which demonstrate effectiveness against current variants of concern.
The COVID-19 antibody market has proven significant, with Lilly recording over $2.2 billion in antibody sales in 2021, including more than $1 billion in the fourth quarter alone. Comparatively, GSK's Xevudy generated $1.3 billion in 2021, despite only receiving authorization late in the year.
